Fibre-to-the-X (FttX) in telemetry systems

Far and away the best solution for long-distance monitoring and control

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AccidentI90 closed at J32

AccidentI90 closed at J32

AccidentI90 closed at J32

POPTraffic Control

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City

Refinery

Windfarm

Long-range monitoring enables hands-on control Because of its flexibility, capacity and scalability, FttX is ideal for use in a wide array of applications. Among these is telemetry, which involves the transfer of data from a remote location to a central facility. Telemetry can be used to monitor and control such things as flow, temperature, pressure, moisture, leakage, vibration, breakage, security breaches and vent activity. This detailed information enables the management of remote equipment, or can be given to technicians to ensure that a problem is handled immediately and thoroughly. Operational and environmental benefits of telemetryTelemetry’s has numerous benefits, relating to such issues as expenses, revenue generation, operational efficiency and reliability, and environmental impact. Specifically, these benefits include:n increased protection, security and monitoring of critical sources of supply (for example, oil and gas pipelines)n quicker response timesn greater measurement accuracy over longer distancesn decreased dependence upon transportationn reduced carbon emissions and power requirementsn more efficient use of transportation and personnel, when neededn lower monitoring and maintenance costsn safer working conditionsn minimal escape of harmful substances should, for example, a pipeline rupturen maximum energy efficiency through the control of: – air-conditioning and heating systems – security systems – appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators

FttX can handle telemetry’s high-bandwidth demands with easeThe amount of data encountered when using a telemetry system can be large and intense. As telemetry becomes increasingly popular, this data flow will surge dramatically. Needless to say, many telemetry systems are mission-critical, and require a network that can handle mega-bandwidth traffic with maximum reliability. With traditional copper cabling, that reliability is compromised: bandwidth is rapidly exhausting copper’s capacity. In addition, telemetry typically involves data being carried over long distances. With copper, this would require signal boosting regularly along the route – owing to voltage drop/distance limitations – which in turn could require the installation of auxiliary power cables.

However, a fibre-based system, such as Emtelle’s blown fibre solution, offers virtually limitless broadband capability. This enables the free flow of critical data, maximises network uptime, and – because of increased network flexibility and scalability – facilitates infrastructure development. Also, fibre better handles the long distances involved by greatly reducing the need for signal boosting along the route.

Emtelle’s offers high reliability and flexibilityTelemetry systems typically demand consistent and high-level network performance – sustained downtime can be extremely problematic. Also, should a network require maintenance or upgrades, it’s clear that the quicker the recovery time, the better. Used worldwide in a variety of FttX applications, Emtelle’s

solution offers unmatched day-to-day reliability. In addition, because the fibre is simply blown in and out of already-established ducts, network modification can be done with ease, thereby ensuring maximum uptime, enhanced efficiency and a high level of operational security.

New installation methods reduce installation timesEmtelle has a diverse product range of solutions – subducts and cable in ducts – that are ideal for the telemetry market. We have developedthese products to be installed using new methods such as mole ploughing, trenching and mini-trenching, as well as traditional dig.

Besides providing spare capacity for network upgrades and easy-fix solutions when damage occurs, another great benefit of Emtelle's product range is that it combines with these new trenching technologies to produce impressive savings in installation time. Thanks to the combination of advanced trenching methods and the robustness of the products used, ducts can quickly be put in the ground. Thereafter, fibre cable can simply be blown in as needed, adding yet another level of speed to the overall installation process (note that ducts can be pre-cabled, if desired). The speed with which ducts and fibre can be installed is an important benefit at any time, but is especially valuable when traffic management or road closures are involved.

Reduced long-term costs and quicker return on investmentIn terms of investment costs, Emtelle’s blown fibre solution offers significant benefits. For a start, our system requires minimal manpower, reduced civil work and lighter equipment than rival technologies. Also, because it uses passive components, it requires less electrical energy. In addition, a recent report showed that the long-term costs of Direct Buried Duct technology, as used with , were decidedly smaller than those of Direct Buried Cable, taking into consideration the initial investment as well as events that happen over the network’s lifetime. Given these savings, investors in an FttH network can realise a return on investment surprisingly quickly.

FttX meets today’s growing ‘environmentality’ Research has confirmed that FttX deployment is environmentally beneficial. This research took into account the total impact of network implementation, including the full life cycle of a typical fibre infrastructure. It was found that for the first 15 years of FttH network implementation, greenhouse gas emission savings per user

32 - 26 mmCable in Duct

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were 330 kg: the equivalent to a car traveling 2,000 km. Add to this the fact that FttX-based telemetry can be used, for example, to prevent and minimise toxic discharges, optimize energy usage, reduce dependence on transportation, and facilitate alternative sources of energy, it’s clear that the environmental credentials of FttX cannot be ignored – not least in a world where companies and customers are increasingly using ecological considerations to choose who they do business with.

Emtelle offers unique expertise, experience, support and serviceEmtelle has been involved in many FttX projects around the globe, including those that use telemetry. We offer unrivalled expertise and experience, an unwavering commitment to customer service and support, a strong local presence in markets worldwide, a high degree of innovation in terms of products and services, and a willingness to create FttX solutions that meet the most specific or out-of-the-ordinary requirements. In essence, we are a single source for absolutely all of your FttX-based needs, from the point of presence (a pipeline, a traffic status display, a wind turbine, home meter reading) all the way through to a central control centre, ensuring that your far-ranging telemetry infrastructure will offer maximum performance levels far into the future.

FttX telemetry projects conducted by EmtelleEmtelle can provide FttX systems in new builds or as an addition to already existing infrastructures. Below are just a few projects in which Emtelle has deployed its solution to create FttX networks for use in telemetry applications.

UtilitiesWith their extensive and complex networks, utilities are especially dependent on the accurate identification and quick resolution of problems. Such fast response times ensure maximum network uptime – an important and marketable competitive advantage. This is especially true during mass outages – cause by storms, for example – when the attention of consumers is especially focused upon network reliability and recovery. In such circumstances, telemetry enables rapid detection and correction. Utilities can also use telemetry to actively ensure that network resources are being distributed as efficiently as possible. Moreover, it allows utilities to read and control meters in real time from a central location, which saves costs and allows such companies to deploy their field personnel more productively.

Oil/gas pipelinesOur solution was selected by the Croatian company JANAF for a communications backbone along a section of its oil pipeline. The system was to be used to control valves and security and other monitoring systems . The project, involving 191 km of pipeline, extended from the coast through mountainous terrain. JANAF upgraded to fibre from copper largely because of fibre’s much greater capacity, which would allow the company not only to meet its own needs with ease, but also to lease capacity to other companies. JANAF specifically chose Emtelle because the company’s methods and products best complied with JANAF’s stringent specifications. As part of the agreement, Emtelle was required to rapidly develop its manufacturing techniques to provide the right products on time – a challenge that Emtelle met more than capably.

AccidentI90 closed at J32

AccidentI90 closed at J32

AccidentI90 closed at J32

POPTraffic Control

Center

City

Refinery

Windfarm

Trenching

Chamber Fitment

Type B Terminator

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7 Way DI5/3.5mm

12 Way DI5/3.5mm

Dome Splice Enclosure

4 Way Opticom

Closure 4A

2 Way DB5/3.5mm

Loose Protected Microduct

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Fibre-to-the-X (FttX) in telemetry systems

Far and away the best solution for long-distance monitoring and control

info@emtelle.comwww.emtelle.com

www.fibre-to-the-home.com

Headquarters EmtelleHaughheadHawickTD9 8LFUnited Kingdom

Tel : + 44 (0)1450 364000Fax : + 44 (0)1450 364001

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Emtelle Australia Commercial Contact : Jason Hanlon Tel: +61 459173205jasonh@emtelle.com.au Technical Contact : Graham Morris Tel: +61 400793300grahamm@emtelle.com.au

Emtelle IndiaSurvey No. 214/1, 214/2Virpura Bus StopP.O. IyavaTaluka - SanandAhmedabad 382170GujaratIndia

Traffic management systemsThe M8 motorway in Scotland connects the country’s two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and is one of the busiest in the UK. Emtelle’s solution was used to install fibres that served the motorway’s traffic matrix signs, with the potential for use in ancillary equipment such as emergency telephones, CCTV cameras and traffic monitoring systems. The use of blown fibre (with mole ploughing) has many advantages over traditional fibre-laying techniques. They include: minimal traffic disruption, even during peak traffic flow; reduced traffic management requirements; lower man-power requirements; the use of smaller, lightweight equipment; longer blowing distances from a central point, ensuring maximum installation speed; and the elimination of any damage to components during tube bundle installation.

Wind FarmsThe number of wind farms in the UK is increasing at an impressive rate. Emtelle has played a part in this expansion through its supply of various products, including uPVC HV Cable ducts for high-voltage cables, HDPE Sub-ducts from 20mm up to 63mm for fibre cables, HDPE SDR 11 Ducts for directional drilling under various obstructions, and blown fibre technology, which is used to control and monitor cables. One product that is gaining much popularity is Emtelle’s ‘Cable-in-Duct’ system, which comprises an HDPE SDR 11 sub-duct with the single-mode fibre installed or co-extruded at one of Emtelle’s manufacturing sites. Emtelle’s ‘Cable-in-Duct’ system can be direct buried into a trench or mole ploughed directly into the ground. The Black Hill Wind Farm project in southern Scotland is one example of a project where this technology was used.

Housing projectsLocated in a suburb of Pretoria in South Africa, the Woodlands Lifestyle Estate was South Africa’s first ‘intelligent’ neighbourhood. Every plot was wired and pre-linked to a computer network room for immediate broadband Internet access. Other uses of the network included security monitoring and the remote control of household devices such as air-conditioning and heating systems. The Woodlands developers chose Emtelle’s blown fibre solution because it allowed immediate upgrade without further construction – the future costs of blown fibre would therefore be significantly lower than that of conventional fibre. As more and more neighbourhoods become ‘intelligent,’ has established itself as the smart choice in terms of ease of installation, flexibility, reliability, reduced capital and operating expenses, and the ability to meet future technological and market demands. In fact, the success of the Woodlands project prompted other developers to express interest in blown fibre and initiate evaluations of the model.

Large Mole Plough

Telemetry projects completed by EmtelleUtilities: Thames Water, EnglandTraffic management: M8 Motorway, ScotlandWind Farms: Black Hill Wind Farm, ScotlandOil/gas pipelines: JANAF, CroatiaHousing projects: Woodlands Lifestyle Estate, South Africa

Mole Ploughing